WASHINGTON, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Brazil's rapidly expanding middle class and complex intellectual property framework is creating a host of new opportunities and challenges for western firms, according to a new report published today by Thomson Reuters. The report, "The Grown-Up BRIC: Innovation & Brand Expansion in Brazil," tracks patent and trademark activity, as well as scientific literature output, over the last decade to benchmark current levels of innovation and brand expansion.   

Following are some of the key findings of the new research:

Recession-Proof Patent Growth: The total number of unique inventions issued in published patent applications and granted patents in Brazil grew 64 percent from 2001 to 2010.

Record Growth in Brazilian Trademarks: Between 1990 and 2010, trademark applications increased nearly 200 percent, with most significant growth occurring in class 35: advertising/business management; class 25: clothing/footwear; class 43: hotels/restaurants and; class 44: medical/beauty.

Computers, Industrials, Autos and Pharma Thrive in Brazil: The top technology areas in terms of volume of published patent applications and granted patents with a Brazilian priority between 2001 and 2010 were computers, automotive technology, domestic appliances and pharmaceuticals.

Steady Growth in Scientific Literature Output: Brazil has become the 13th largest producer of scientific research in the world and leads in the output of new research in Latin America since 2000.

Culture of University/Industry Collaboration: Twenty seven percent of all patents in Brazil are owned by universities, a direct result of steps taken by the Brazilian government to improve cooperation between universities and industry.

"Few emerging market economies boast Brazil's unique combination of steady growth and a well-established intellectual property system," said David Brown, president of the IP Solutions business of Thomson Reuters. "Our analysis reveals Brazil is a country ripe with market opportunity for the international community. Its stable intellectual property system and respect of brand protection make it a viable choice for companies looking to expand globally."

To view the full report, "The Grown-Up BRIC: Innovation & Brand Expansion in Brazil", please click here (http://ip-science.thomsonreuters.com/brazilreport).